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Re: Velobuild VB-R-177
Hello, Agreed on the Juin Tech/cable hydro option. Don't do it! This frame/bar combo is not a good candidate for mechanical/cable hydraulic brakes of any brand, things can get rather dicey in descents and tight corners. When I first built up my 177 I used a full mechanical group with Juin Tech F1s and while they did the job, braking power and reliability was just not good enough regardless of cable housing/pad switches/adjusting/etc. I did. Everything I tried made the brakes slightly better, but still nowhere near the ease and power of the SRAM hydraulic brakes I promptly switched to. I mainly tried them out because red anodized calipers look really, really cool. Still trying to figure out a way to make my SRAM calipers red May 26, 2022, 02:11:59 AM |
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Re: Hongfu FM339 new
300 for shipping is eye gouging When I was shopping for an open mold frame last November, Hongfu quoted me at $410 for shipping to the US... I ended up going for a Velobuild 177. May 31, 2022, 01:07:17 AM |
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Re: Velobuild VB-R-177
Just dropping a quick pic/build blurb of my 177 for y'all to see -Frame size M, 420x100 one piece bar and stem -Total weight is about 8kg/18 lb. as you see it with pedals, cages, mount, etc (without bottles). -Delivered as an og black frame. Custom paint and decals done by me. -Groupset: Sram hydro mechanical mashup with Shimano crankset and chain and Deckas lightweight rotors. Centerline XR rotors are sitting on my desk. I'll switch them out eventually, I just have no issue with the performance of the Deckas rotors and they're significantly lighter as well. -Wheel/tires: 38mm depth/25mm inner width Chinese carbon wheels sourced from OfferUp for a good deal, I think they're Superteam. Matched up with 29mm Enve SES tires. Tubeless setup. -Saddle: Prologo NDR 143. I miss my carbon Velobuild saddle the VB saddle pooped out and Chris has sent a replacement. Can't wait for it to arrive. -Photos show the VB seatpost. I'm now running a 0 offset carbon seatpost. -Time ATAC XC4 Pedals (yes, mtb pedals) May do a longer review/video/photoshoot later on if time permits, detailing the build specs, issues, build and ride experiences, paint/decal process, etc. May 31, 2022, 01:48:17 AM |
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Re: Is it possible to customize frame geometry?
I don't think that's really possible without creating a new mold, but maybe I'm wrong? That's got to be prohibitively expensive. As had already been said, you can get custom titanium frames from companies like Waltly. I know there's small brands offering custom geometry options for carbon bikes in the states, but those aren't going to be anywhere near open mold prices $$$$ June 08, 2022, 11:10:52 AM |
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Re: Velobuild VB-R-177
Do you have any pictures of the closest points to frame rub? Here you go! I tried to get all the angles. Upon closer inspection, maybe a 30mm tire may be cutting it close, what do y'all think? I'm pretty happy with these tires. If anything, I might be looking to go a bit narrower in the future. June 14, 2022, 09:14:05 PM |
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Re: Velobuild VB-R-177
How about the bb tolerances on this frame? Any creaking with bb86 installed? I use a standard Ultegra BB86 (BB72-41? Something like that). I’m not one to really track every mile I ride but I’ve probably averaged about 75-100 a week since January and have no issues to report. June 16, 2022, 07:18:03 PM |
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Re: Velobuild 177 vs 218
Check here; Fwiw my 177 has never had seatpost issues. I know many people have had a slipping seatpost, but to be fair some of us have had stellar experiences with their 177. I’m a fairly heavy guy, I’ve tried different posts and have had no issues with any of them. June 18, 2022, 12:46:13 PM |
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Re: VeloBuild Headset Play Issue Using Separate Stem/Handlebar: Resolved.
Thanks for the detailed assesment! I have a 177 with the one piece bar/stem and have the same headset play issue. May I ask where you sourced the clip? Did you get it from Velobuild? I've emailed back and forth with Chris for some time now and he hasn't sent me one of their new designs. I'd be more than happy to look elsewhere and purchase my own if it's available somewhere! Update: there was a bit of miscommunication/language barrier but it turns out Chris had already sent me the new half ring along with a warranty saddle, but USPS dropped the ball and returned to sender. Not long after touching base, I received the package as he had already resent it. That being said, I haven’t needed to install the new half ring since I found a combo of compression plug/spacer/top cap that has removed any headset play and has worked well for the last few hundred miles. I don’t see the play coming back, but if it does I’ll go in and replace the half ring. This is the only issue I’ve had with my 177. I think a minor issue like this is to be expected with open molds and are solved with a little diy know-how. I appreciate reading everyone’s experience with open molds and Velobuild, good or bad. Personally, I’m happy with Velobuild’s follow-up and service considering they’re on the other side of the planet and not a major manufacturer. They are certainly better and more helpful than the maker of my gravel bike, which is a local US company and based quite literally 20 minutes away from me. June 18, 2022, 01:12:45 PM |
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Re: Velobuild 177 vs 218
To add on to the stability conversation...I kinda echo what everyone has already said about the 177. I'm not the fastest rider, but I do occasionally push the 30mph mark on my rides, mainly on downhills. On downhills I push until 35 mph or so before my confidence starts declining. I think it has a lot to do with my (lack of) skills and the crappy surfaces around here and not entirely the bike feeling unstable. I would probably push it a bit more if I were riding on nicer surfaces. It doesn't feel as solid as my gravel bike, but I'm not sure if that's a fair comparison. Not as solid, but definitely more comfortable and supple. On the flats I never feel unsafe but I do struggle to maintain speed above 30mph or so. I think I could improve that with different gearing, better fitness and a different wheel/tire choice, but a more aero frame would likely help as well. For serious racing with hard sprints you may be better off with a different frame in order to work just a bit less, but the 177 is pretty sweet as an all-rounder imo. June 20, 2022, 01:52:53 PM |
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Re: Velobuild VB-R-168 Frame
I would suggest trying everything patilean has suggested. My 177 also had headset play and after trying various fixes I think my problem was (mainly) that the steerer tube is just a hair too tall. I should have cut one more millimeter. Also, the top cap fits a little funky, so switching to a better top cap+spacer above the stem cleared up any headset issues. Velobuild can supply a taller headset half ring and that might also help with play issues. Others have also mentioned micro shims under the headset top cover as a possible remedy for headset play. July 13, 2022, 01:38:43 PM |
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